Uphill task for Hawks

Two first half goals dragged the Hawks back into the relegation scrap, consigning Harlow Town to a sixth loss in eight games

On a wet and windy evening, Connor Tighe put the hosts ahead with a low strike on 19 minutes, before adding a second just after the half-hour mark.

Harlow Town struggled to cope with the conditions and the opposition, who were stronger than their lowly league position would suggest.

After both sides created early half-chances as they adjusted to the weather, the hosts began to take control. Pat Harding went closest for Burgess Hill, but he put the effort wide of the post.

The Hillians went ahead when a quick one-two between Connor Tighe and Stephane Ngambvoulou made space for Tighe, and he fired a low shot just inside the post.

Harlow’s Tommie Fagg had an effort from the edge of the area, but the ball was always rising as it flew over the crossbar.

The lead was almost doubled when a cross from Tighe found Aaron Smith-Joseph at the back post, but he hit the post from 6 yards out as the Hawks were let off.

As the Hawks tried to soak up the pressure, another dangerous cross was almost turned in by Burgess Hill, but the two forwards weren’t able to make contact with the ball.

The second goal came on 34 minutes, and it was Tighe on the scoresheet again. Harlow conceded the ball while on the offensive, and Jack Brivio turned defence into attack to release Tighe on the right. He fired low past David Hughes to punish the Hawks.

Tommie Fagg had another chance late on in the half to try and reduce the deficit, but his header was easily collected and the hosts took a deserved lead into half time.

HT: Burgess Hill Town 2-0 Harlow Town

The hosts thought they had a third soon after half-time. A poor clearance from David Hughes was played straight back by a Burgess Hill player to put Connor Tighe through for his hat-trick, but although he had the ball in the net the flag was raised for offside.

Chances were limited for Harlow, but Alex Read did force substitute goalkeeper James Shaw into a save with a low shot that was well saved.

The Burgess Hill stopper then fumbled a ball into the box, but managed to recover before a Harlow player could turn it in.

Alex Read was then on target once again, but a great save from Shaw prevented the visitors from pulling a goal back.

Burgess Hill were looking for a third to kill off the game. Smith-Joseph was denied by David Hughes, before the striker then sent another effort over the bar from the left.

The hosts were comfortable in the final minutes, and when David Hughes saved from Ibrahim Forfana with his legs late on, the hosts were happy to see out the rest of the game for an important win.